Classic Fashion

Archive for November, 2011

Although merchants and advertisers would have us believe that kid’s tech toys are king this Christmas, many parents, grandparents, and gift givers long for the simplicity of a low-tech Christmas featuring the classics that we remember from our own childhood – wagons, toy trains and transportation, simple building blocks, and high quality children’s furniture that facilitates pretend play. Many adults want to give gifts that are made of high quality materials that will last, be loved for generations to come, and be passed down to the recipient’s own kids.

Most classic, retro and heirloom quality children’s gifts are made of wood or metal because both are high quality materials that lasts. Although more expensive than the plastic toys of today, metal and wooden toys are worth the investment because they hold their value and they don’t break, fall apart or lose parts. Here are five classic toys that might fit the bill for folks seeking out nostalgic toys this Christmas:

1. Radio Flyer Classic Wagon: This is the classic red wagon that most of us remember from our childhood. It’s flared edge is what stands it apart from competitors and makes it recognizable. (The design is trademarked). This item has been in production for over 30 years and is in the Parents Magazine Hall Of Fame. It retails for about $65. Considering it will be used for years, this price tag isn’t a bad one.

2. Classic Wooden Train Set: Every child needs a classic wooden train set. Children love making trains go over the bridge and around the town while pretend-playing situations for the passengers. Most sets come with bridges, houses and people/figures to encourage pretend play. Prices vary depending on the number of pieces and accessories.

3. Classic Wooden Kitchen: You see these little kitchens in almost every preschool and nursery today, but unfortunately most are made of plastic that absorbs spills and debris and stains horribly. Look for a large, wooden kitchen with a removable sink (so it can be cleaned) Cabinet doors that open and provide storage for kitchen supplies or can function as a pretend oven is a huge plus. Wooden kitchens run about $150.

4. Classic Wooden Building Blocks: Wooden building blocks should be required in every playroom. Not only do they encourage mobility and fine motor skills, they are also wonderful for pretend play and role playing and the combinations and possibilities are endless. Blocks challenge children to make the visions in their mind a physical reality. This is important for both problem solving, troubleshooting and imagination. Basic wooden block sets start at about $30 and are priced based upon the number of blocks and how elaborate the set is. Some incorporate transportation or specialty buildings like castles or forts.

5. Classic Radio Flyer Bicycle: No matter how high tech our children become, they still love feeling the wind in their hair and the excitement of getting from here to there on a bicycle. This classic red, bike is the one you remember from your childhood and has the recognizable silver, steel bell as well as the stability training wheels. Retails for about $50.

Christmas and gift-giving occasions provide the perfect opportunity to share your childhood with the children you love. With just a little searching, you can find many suitable retro, classic toys to share with kids who live amongst ipods and gameboys.

When it comes to clothes, classic pieces are the best. The classic style never goes out of fashion. You can wear it this year and wear it again in the future. So, everyone is encouraged to have classic pieces in their wardrobe. These clothes can be valuable assets because they are versatile. One of the pieces you must have is a white button down shirt. The classic style of the plain white shirt is elegant and clean-looking. It will make you look fresh and young whether you are a man or a woman. You can wear this shirt with a pair of jeans or under your jacket. You can wear it to work or to casual rendezvous.

Denim jeans are also classic pieces. Everybody loves the classic style of jeans. They are comfortable and sassy. You can wear them while chilling out with friends or going to a party. You can actually wear a pair of jeans to any occasion if you will just choose the right accessories and top to go with it. Of course, you also have to select the right shoes. Blue jeans are versatile. They are great for achieving a sporty look. You can easily wear them with dressy shoes, sandals, sneakers, and loafers. Black or dark blue jeans, on the other hand, go well with almost anything. The classic style of jeans suits people from all walks of life.

Another article of clothing you must never forget is the sweater. Sweaters actually come in different styles, weights, lengths, and materials; but their classic style is truly remarkable. You may look at a photo of a girl wearing a sweater and you may not even realize that that photo was taken decades ago. Sweaters are really classics. The black turtleneck, for instance, can be worn by men and women to school, to work, or to the movies. It can actually be worn for pretty much any occasion. Women may also choose lightweight Angora, soft wool, or heavy knit cable sweaters. They may also choose cardigans in various lengths and sizes. Men, on the other hand, mostly prefer simple and heavier sweaters. The classic style of sweaters really works for everyone.

A necktie is another must-have. However, this piece is more recommended to men. The classic style of ties is perfect for work, school, holiday, or date. A business suit or a tuxedo will not be complete without a tie. Conversely, a little black dress is a must-have for every woman. This dress can be worn to class, to work, to a date, and to a cocktail party. The chic and classic style of the little black dress never goes out of fashion. It will make any woman look sophisticated and fabulous.

Neckties are worn by business men, lawyers, doctors, and men everywhere the occasion calls for a formal look. The following five classic necktie knots allow men to wear suits in their daily lives and still express their individuality and look right for every occasion.

Windsor Knot

The Windsor knot is named after the Duke of Windsor, who would have ties made out of heavy material so that they would form a wide knot.

Nowadays Windsor knots are usually tied using long thin neckties. Silk is an excellent material that displays the Windsor knot to its full advantage. This knot is also best worn with dress shirts with a wide spread collar.

Of all the classic tie knots, the Windsor displays confidence, and is seen as more formal than most of the other necktie knots. Because of its wide width, this type of knot usually looks well on men with long necks as the width of the knot makes the neck look shorter.

Half Windsor Knot

The half Windsor is a classic knot for neckties that works best on light to medium light material. While it is wider than the Four in hand knot or the Pratt, it is smaller than the Windsor knot. Despite its name it is more than half the size of the full Windsor.

Worn with medium spread collared shirts, the Half Windsor like the Windsor knot looks exceptionally well on men with longer necks.

Four in Hand Knot

There are many stories concerning how the Four in Hand knot came into being; the most accepted story is that a group in London known as the Four in Hand Club started using this simple knot to tie their ties and it became fashionable.

The simplest of all of the classic tie knots, the Four in Hand knot is also referred to as the schoolboy knot or simple knot. It is usually the first type of classic knot that young boys and men learn to master on their own. It is slightly asymmetrical.

The Four in Hand Knot works well with narrow spread collars and when worn properly, the wide end of the tie should reach the belt buckle.

Pratt Knot

The Pratt knot was invented by a man named Jerry Pratt who was once employed by the chamber of Commerce. Mr. Pratt was the sole user of this particular knot until a popular television personality by the name of Don Shelby decided to wear the knot on air. It is sometimes called the Pratt-Shelby knot due to Shelby making this knot a classic.

This knot is suited to medium thick tie material of a shorter length than most of the other classic tie knots call for. It is perfect for those who prefer wearing shorter ties.

Bow Tie

The most formal knot of all the classic knots, the bow tie is best suited for formal occasions that call for the wearing of a tux.

Bow ties are made of ribbon of material in silk, polyester or cotton. Traditional bow ties come in fixed lengths and are made for specific neck sizes. They are available in three shapes – the straight edge, butterfly and diamond.